Tag Archives: valentino

A friend visited New York City over the weekend and came home sharing pictures of a pretty awesome shoe display. These pictures inspired moi to start a new feature on the blog where readers can share their discoveries. Ala The Sartorialist‘s coverage of people-on-the-streets, but S&C-related. For now we’ll call it S&C Spotted.

So, the first edition of S&C Spotted brings you a window display of vintage shoes, including a spectacular pair of rhinestone peep-toes from Valentino. Don’t you love how the dominos are playfully scattered about? Makes you want to head to Monte Carlo, no? These shoes may be vintage, but you’ll be seeing more of this sparkly trend.

The display was spotted at one of the Housing Works Thrift Shops. Housing Works operates seven upscale shops in New York City, selling high-end vintage treasures for good causes. Even if you’re not in NYC, you can shop their shoes online. Choose from designers like Gucci, Marc Jacobs and Ferragamo at insanely low prices.

Have you spotted something spectacular? Share it with S&C! Camera phones are ubiquitous these days, so if you are out and about and run across something awe-inspiring, inventive or delicious — email shoesandcocktails(at)yahoo(dot)com, or send us a TwitPic@shoescocktails. We’d love it!

Project Runway is down to the last three designers – and it will be an all female finale! Just like S&C predicted (well, sort-of — until our anti-Kenley raid had us hoping Jerell would knock her off). But, Kenley brought it this week and Jerell didn’t. So, hooray for the ladies!

This last episode before Bryant Park had Tim Gunn making home visits and giving us glimpses of the designers’ lives. Korto’s family was the sweetest (did you see that spread they laid out for him?), and what a lovely woodsy studio she has. Tim visited Leanimal in Portland; they went on a bike ride, and he was so awkward and cute. Jerell showed us more of his sensitive side when Tim visited his family in LA. Kenley, the last visit, didn’t exactly lay out the welcome mat, but seemed happy to see him nonetheless.

We didn’t see too much of the designers’ collections because this show was all about the wedding dresses and the surprise bridesmaid design challenge. Both Jerell and Korto had over-worked wedding gowns and uninspired bridesmaid dresses. Jerell went too far with the grunge-glam look, so it was the end of the road for him. We wish you the best, Jerell! Kenley and Leanne had the top designs.

Kenley’s feathery gown is awesome, and we love the whimsical hat (reminds us of SJP at the SATC premier in London). For extra whimsy, we’re pairing these green Christian Louboutin satin slingbacks with the oversized bow.

Leanne’s wedding dress, and collection, was inspired by water and movement. Nina Garcia was right on when she described it as “modern and dreamy.” We’re pairing these gold Valentino’s because the bow reminds us of the sculptural elements in her designs. They’re not the same Valentino’s as last week, but similiar. In case you haven’t noticed, we LOVE bows.

We are getting close to crowning the next Project Runway winner. The last episode challenged the designers to create an evening gown inspired by flowers found in the New York Botanical Garden.

Let’s start with the winners:

Jerell – The only guy remaining so he plays with fruit and bobble head dolls back at the hotel to keep himself company. He also leads the let’s-throw-Kenley-to-the-wolves-pack. He wins the challenge, but his dress is not without its problems (the bust, hemline, wrinkles). I do like that it is a kind-of funky eveningwear look. Most of his clothes seem wearable, but still have an edge. So, we’re pairing these Christian Louboutin pewter pumps – aptly named “Scissor Girl,” for the cross-band and stud detail.

Leanimal – She loses a bit of her confidence this week. Maybe it was repercussions from that near bee sting. She still manages to pull off the next best dress. Her soft, flowy, lavender gown is quite lovely. Also lovely are these shimmery Valentino pumps with the side bow. I heart bows.

And, the losers:

Korto – She designs a super-flattering silhouette (she always does), but goes overboard with the bright fabrics, and why oh why did she use that lace?

Kenley – It is too exhausting to continue with the Kenley-attitude-bashing. We’re done with that. And her reptilian dress.

Episode concludes with tears galore – everyone is an emotional wreck – but, it is all for not because no one gets auf’d.

About Shoes & Cocktails

The blog dedicated to shoes, cocktails, and things related was created by Ms. ShoesandCocktails, a Washington, DC area resident, who lives with her husband and dog, and is surrounded by friends with good taste and a weakness for cocktails. Ms. S&C would love to hear from you, so feel free to contact her at: shoesandcocktails(at)yahoo(dot)com.

Miss Mojito also joins Ms. S&C as a contributor. Miss M is from Richmond, VA, and lives and breathes for the delightful Cuban cocktail from which she borrows her name.